Obligatory Villagers

Obligatory Villagers is the third studio album by American singer-songwriter Nellie McKay. It was released on September 25, 2007. Bob Dorough appears as a guest vocalist on several tracks. Many of the musicians on the album reside in the Pocono Mountains, particularly the Delaware Water Gap area. Nancy Reed, a voice teacher in Stroudsburg, sings with her on "Politan." Nellie McKay was Nancy Reed's first student.

Track listing

 * 1) "Mother of Pearl"
 * 2) "Oversure"
 * 3) "Gin Rummy"
 * 4) "Livin'"
 * 5) "Identity Theft"
 * 6) "Galleon"
 * 7) "Politan"
 * 8) "Testify"
 * 9) "Zombie"
 * 10) "Doko Demo Doa" (Bonus Track in Japanese)

Critical reception
Critical response to the album was generally positive. Pitchfork Media and AllMusic both commented that the album was "difficult to understand," though they also agreed that McKay is a talented songwriter and arranger.

Robert Christgau gave the album 3.5/5 stars.